The regulator of social housing

This content applies to England

From January 2018, the regulation of social housing providers in England is the function of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

From 1 October 2018, the Regulator of Social Housing is a stand-alone 'non departmental public body' of government.[1] It was previously part of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which also administers grants to social housing providers.

Requirement to be registered

All social housing providers in England are required to be registered with the regulator, including local authorities, housing associations, housing co-operatives, profit-making organisations and any other form of housing provider.[2]

All local authorities are regulated, including those whose stock is managed by an Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) or a Tenant Management Organisation (TMO).

Social housing means low cost rental accommodation and low cost home ownership accommodation as defined by sections 68-70 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

Previous Regulators

Before 1 October 2018, the regulator was part of the HCA (although it changed its name to Regulator of Social Housing in January 2018). Prior to April 2012, the regulator was the Tenant Services Authority (TSA).

Terminology

Registered providers (RPs) are local authorities, housing associations and any other public or private provider of social housing registered with the regulator. Private registered providers of social housing (PRPSHs) are housing associations and other social housing providers registered with the regulator (formerly known as registered social landlords (RSLs)).[3]

Wales

The information on this page applies only to England. Go to Shelter Cymru for information relating to Wales.